During the first meeting of the seven-member panel investigating Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, the Edo State House of Assembly accused him of committing impeachable offenses, including divulging government secrets and perjury.
The Assembly, represented by Deputy Clerk Joe Ohaifa, presented its case before the panel, which is headed by retired Justice S.A. Omonuwa. The impeachment proceedings were initiated by the Assembly based on a petition alleging that Shaibu leaked government secrets and committed perjury.
This move is seen as the latest development in the ongoing conflict between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, which began when Shaibu expressed his intention to run for the Edo governorship.
The Deputy Clerk stated that Shaibu disclosed state secrets in an affidavit filed in an Abuja lawsuit and violated the Oath of Secrecy he took.
The panel adjourned the proceedings to allow Shaibu to present his defense. Shaibu’s lawyer had previously requested a suspension of the proceedings, but the panel declined the application.
During his submission, Awoyale requested that the panel suspend the impeachment proceedings until the outcome of a lawsuit filed by Shaibu before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Awoyale informed the panel that the court had scheduled April 8 as the date for the parties involved in the lawsuit to appear and present reasons why Shaibu’s request for an interlocutory injunction to halt the impeachment proceedings should not be granted.
However, the Deputy Clerk opposed the request, citing Section 188 (10) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that no court has the authority to prevent the House of Assembly or the seven-man panel from carrying out their constitutional duties.
Ohiafi argued that Shaibu’s lawyer must demonstrate that the provision of the constitution had been modified for the panel to support his argument. In his ruling, the panel chairman, Justice Omonuwa, concurred with Ohiafi, emphasizing that the invitation for the parties to present reasons did not constitute an order to halt the impeachment proceedings.
Justice Omonuwa stated that the panel would proceed with the proceedings and requested the House of Assembly to present its case. Awoyale, in response to the ruling, informed the panel that his client would be unable to continue participating in the investigation and sought permission to be excused.
When questioned about whether he was waiving his client’s right to defend himself, Awoyale answered in the negative, emphasizing the importance of obeying the court’s decision and appearing before it to present reasons.
When further probed about whether he was challenging the ruling of the panel, Awoyale once again answered in the negative and reiterated the necessity of complying with the court, which would convene on Monday, April 8, 2024.
